Scotland

We have been to most areas of Scotland over the years but our favourite part is the highlands. Ill be doing another blog on Aviemore & the Cairngorms as this is where we spend our Christmas holidays however I want to focus on the North of Scotland in this blog. We have been to various parts over the years and we recently did a trip up-to John O Groats.

We stayed in a caravan in our latest trip on Grannies Heilan Hame Caravan Park, we booked a sheil caravan and it was very comfortable with heating, a well equipped kitchen and the site was very nice with a swimming pool and entertainment.

Northern Scotland has some really lovely beauty spots as well as wildlife such as dolphins, otters, seals, salmon pools, orcas, puffins amongst others.. We were lucky enough to see dolphins and seals on our visit.

There is a beautiful swiss inspired 18th century castle at Golspie which really is something to behold. They run falconry displays daily and the entrance fee is reasonable. If you are on a budget, there is a path round the back (part of the john o groats way) which you can take photographs and admire the architecture.

Up the coast a little bit is a small village called Helmsdale, there’s isn’t masses here however there’s a restaurant called La Mirage which does fish and chips, pies, platters amongst others and wowzers! The food was plentiful and delicious. A hidden gem so well worth a pit stop if you are in the area.

There is also a ‘broch’ just off the A9 called Carn Liath - Its an iron age house which has been excavated and preserved. Again worth a look if you are stopping. You need to park on the opposite side and cross the A9 (no official crossing but follow signs).

Another stop on the way up the coast is whaligoe steps near wick, parking is a little cramped for this as you need to drive down a single road with 4 houses on and park at the end but there is only a handful of spaces so it can be busy at times. The steps originate from 1786 and consist of 365 steps - its not for the faint of heart as the ascent is a struggle for those with mobility issues or fitness problems. They are quite stunning at the bottom with dramatic rugged cliffs surrounding the remaining harbour.

If you make it to John O Groats then its worth a look to duncansby stacks - if you head to duncansby lighthouse, you can walk to the stacks from there. It can be boggy so wear appropriate footwear - Autumn slipped in the mud whilst we were there which was errr messy! We got a picture at the end to enders photo-point as we have been to lands end so it would be rude not to get the obligatory picture.

Heading inland slightly you have falls of shin which are a nice stop off picnic point, it has 3 walking trails and some salmon in the river if you are lucky to see them.

Going west past falls of shin you come to Ardveck Castle, now a ruin but a good place to stop and have a quick cuppa from your flask. You can take the junction opposite (following NC500 signs) to head north towards Kylesku bridge.

Up on the north coast there is Durness which has a shop, petrol, sango sands campsite and a hotel/pub. Smoo Cave is a must see if you are passing, depending on the time you can get a tour. There is also Balnakiel Beach which is simply stunning alongside sango beach. There is also Golden Eagle Zip Wire activity when the weather allows - always check their social media page.

The west coast is absolutely beautiful and has crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and some of the most wonderful coastline within this country. Various beaches and islands to visit, Skye, Lewis, Harris, Mull, Rum, Iona to name a few.

North Scotland is absolutely worth a visit for any wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. It takes quite a bit of time to truly experience everything this part of the country has to offer and cant be truly seen and experienced in 1 trip. Our next Scottish adventure will be the hebrides as its a part of the country we have not yet visited.

If you choose to visit the North of Scotland or the Isles - drop our social media page a message with what you enjoyed the most.

Melissa

Hamburg

Holland